WWYD?

Autumn_bride2b · October 2009

Need some advice/opinions from other bumpies.

I am on a medication, let's call it medication X, that is known to be safe during pregnancy but the safety of its use while breastfeeding at the dose I take is unknown. At lower doses, it has been shown to be safe while BFing. However, at the higher doses, there are only 1-2 very small, older studies, that show it appears to be safe, but again, the study size was small and the studies are not current. The level of the medication passed through breastmilk is unknown, although thought to be small.

I've done research, spoken to LCs, nurses, and one pedi. Everyone gives me the "it's your choice" answer (which I know, thankyouverymuch). When I asked the pedi about risk vs benefit of breastfeeding while on this med, he said that his personal and professional opinion is that I should just go with formula from the start, and not feel guilty. He added that it is a personal decision though (yeah, I know) and since there are no studies to show that the drug is harmful, I could BF if I wanted.

So...my question is: would you breastfeed or use formula right from the beginning?

Bonzer · October 2009

if I were you? I'd go straight to formula. The risks aren't worth the benefits of breastmilk.

the whole " breast is best" campaign annoys me, because it's best if

your supply is good

you are healthy

baby is healthy

you are not on any dangerous meds.

go to formula and try not to feel badly about it. FORMULA is best in your situation and there is NOTHING wrong with that.

nikalina · October 2009

I would have to know what medication X is before I could make a choice. If it is a mood stabilizer or something of that sort I would need to know what kind.

My opinion is that if it is "safe" during pregancy it should be safe during BF.

I have been on a narcotic during this pregnancy. It is considered "safe" to a certain extent. If I was to abuse it though, I am sure that it wouldn't be safe. Once LO arrives I will be able to have my meniscus reparied and no longer need the med. In fact, I haven't taken one in about 3 weeks. I have needed to but haven't taken one.

mrgn · October 2009

That IS tough. I think I would probably formula feed, to be safe. There are a lot of benefits to BFing, but if you don't know what kind of a risk you are taking by doing so on that medication, I wouldn't want to take that risk. But, that being said, are there other options? Similar meds with more research that have been done? The ability to take a smaller dose or not take the drug all together? There are a lot of other factors that play into it. I would do everything I could to be able to feel good about breast feeding. But I wouldn't feel guilty if my only choice was to stay on the med and formula feed.

ellemoney:) · October 2009

I am already planning to FF, so that's what I would do. ?I would worry about there being no studies really done, so you wouldn't know how much of it was being passed to baby.?

Do you have a preference of either? Do you want to BF??

Autumn_bride2b · October 2009

Bonzer:

if I were you? I'd go straight to formula. The risks aren't worth the benefits of breastmilk.

the whole " breast is best" campaign annoys me, because it's best if

your supply is good

you are healthy

baby is healthy

you are not on any dangerous meds.

go to formula and try not to feel badly about it. FORMULA is best in your situation and there is NOTHING wrong with that.

Part of me is afraid that I will not have the same bond with my baby. Is that just all in my head?

ellemoney:) · October 2009

Bonzer:
the whole " breast is best" campaign annoys me, because it's best if
your supply is good
you are healthy
baby is healthy
you are not on any dangerous meds.
go to formula and try not to feel badly about it. FORMULA is best in your situation and there is NOTHING wrong with that.

?

100% agree. ?

ellemoney:) · October 2009

Autumn_bride2b:
Bonzer:

if I were you? I'd go straight to formula. The risks aren't worth the benefits of breastmilk.
the whole " breast is best" campaign annoys me, because it's best if
your supply is good
you are healthy
baby is healthy
you are not on any dangerous meds.
go to formula and try not to feel badly about it. FORMULA is best in your situation and there is NOTHING wrong with that.
Part of me is afraid that I will not have the same bond with my baby. Is that just all in my head?

It is absolutely all in your head. I did not BF Layla.. we are as?close as BF babies are with their mothers ?

?

Bonzer · October 2009

lots and lots of "kangaroo time" ( skin to skin contact) can supplement as that "special bond" that nursing moms have. But you know what? Your bond will be just as special as any other moms, because you love your baby and are doing what is best for him/her in the long run.

Autumn_bride2b · October 2009

Elle: Yes, I would prefer to BF, if possible

Mrgn: I have done the research and in this case, the answers to a different med or a lower dose are, unfortunately, no.

bannedmonkey · October 2009

I think if a lower dose wouldn't do what you need it to, then I'd go for the formula. As awesome as BM is for the baby, formulas have come a long way. You have to do what's best for the baby AND you.

Autumn_bride2b · October 2009

Thanks everyone for your candid advice and support.

*hugs*

Mrs. GEK · October 2009

Autumn_bride2b:
Bonzer:

if I were you? I'd go straight to formula. The risks aren't worth the benefits of breastmilk.

the whole " breast is best" campaign annoys me, because it's best if

your supply is good

you are healthy

baby is healthy

you are not on any dangerous meds.

go to formula and try not to feel badly about it. FORMULA is best in your situation and there is NOTHING wrong with that.

Part of me is afraid that I will not have the same bond with my baby. Is that just all in my head?

I wouldn't worry about FF and bonding. I was formula fed and my mom is one of my best friends. I'm sure that my brother and sister (both FF too) feel the same way.

I would think that if the medication is safe during pregnancy then it would be safe for breastfeeding as well. Studies aren't typically done on pregnant and breastfeeding women because pharmaceutical companies don't want the liability of having something adverse happen to one or both of them during the study. I'm not a doctor though, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

mrgn · October 2009

Autumn_bride2b:
Elle: Yes, I would prefer to BF, if possible

Mrgn: I have done the research and in this case, the answers to a different med or a lower dose are, unfortunately, no.

I am a big fan of breast feeding. BUT. In your case, keeping your baby safe means not breast feeding IMO. I am sure the bond with your baby will not be impacted by choosing to formula feed. Like PP said, lots of skin to skin time might help you feel better about the bonding aspect... but the love you have for your child and feeling good about doing what is best for LO is enough to make that bond as strong as the next mom's.

Aerochyck · October 2009

Autumn_bride2b:
Bonzer:

if I were you? I'd go straight to formula. The risks aren't worth the benefits of breastmilk.

the whole " breast is best" campaign annoys me, because it's best if

your supply is good

you are healthy

baby is healthy

you are not on any dangerous meds.

go to formula and try not to feel badly about it. FORMULA is best in your situation and there is NOTHING wrong with that.

Part of me is afraid that I will not have the same bond with my baby. Is that just all in my head?

You do not need to BF to bond with your baby. I tried with my first and since I had a reduction they just didn't work and honestly there was no issue in terms of bonding. It will be an issue if you make it one but if you make a decision to formula feed your baby will not judge you.

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